Study Links Increased Screen Time to Reduced Language Development in Children

Research involving 220 families shows that excessive screen time can significantly hinder early language skills, emphasizing the need for a language-rich environment.

A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that increased screen time is associated with reduced language development in children aged 12 to 36 months.
For every additional minute of screen time, children were found to hear fewer adult words, make fewer vocalizations, and engage in fewer conversational turns.
The study, involving 220 families, utilized advanced speech recognition technology to monitor children's screen time and home language environment.
Researchers estimate that the average three-year-old is exposed to nearly three hours of screen time daily, leading to significant reductions in language exposure and conversational opportunities.
Experts emphasize the importance of a language-rich home environment for early language development, warning against the potential long-term impacts of excessive screen time.